Currently there are no cases of COVID-19 in the Ubangi-Mongala provinces where the CEUM resides. However, on April 9, PCP sent $5,000 to the CEUM Medical Team to use toward a COVID-19 preparedness plan and we are currently accepting donations for this effort. In addition, Covenant World Relief sent $3,000 to the CEUM for emergency response needs through the Covenant COVID relief campaign.
The CEUM Medical Staff will divide up the funds as appropriate between the five hospitals. Dr. Gado, the CEUM Medical Director, challenged each hospital to come up with their own appropriate plan using Karawa Hospital as a model:
- Set up needs for isolation wards and triage protocols
- Hand-washing stations in more locations in the hospitals
- Masks, gloves, and other Personal Protective Equipment
- Communication/Education materials for Dr. Deambi to present to local residents on the Karawa radio station regarding hand washing, coughing, social distancing, and COVID-19 symptoms.
As of April 24, Congo has 25 deaths and 394 reported cases. The past five days have shown new cases steady. The virus has only been seen in Kinshasa and an adjoining province and three provinces in the east. We are grateful the virus has not reached the CEUM area and are encouraged to hear reports from half of the regions that they are actively preparing COVID-19 response programs if and when arrives in their area.
We are asking for prayer for our partners in Congo; that the virus would not reach their area and that God would give them wisdom as they create plans in advance of an outbreak.
Thank you for your partnership!
